Living with a 15 month old during COVID

Before we get started, I'd like to introduce myself since this is my very first posting on Vocal. My name is Morgan. I am 23 years old living with my boyfriend and 15 month old son in Upstate New York. I graduated from college in Dec 2018 in Communications and very passionate in sports, so you just may see sports posts as well. But, I am currently a cash applications clerk at this time due to lack of sports jobs in my area.

On July 22, 2019, I unexpectedly gave birth to my son Jacob six and a half weeks early. *Jacob is named after New York Mets Pitcher Jacob DeGrom.* He was in the NICU for about a month. That was definitely a traumatic experience for any parent to go through but he only got stronger every day. Now, he is a healthy rambunctious little toddler that keeps us pretty busy.

When Covid hit our area, I transitioned from working in a warehouse to working from home due to Cuomo's orders. That meant bringing all my computer equipment home, which included "millions" of cords. My son still went to his grandma's to be watched while I worked with no distractions. But after work was a different story. As my relaxing kid-free day turned into a wild night.

In our apartment, there is really no space for a 15 month old to run around without getting into things. So here I am trying to relax during a long day of work (sometimes 10 hour days) and my son is over by my work computer messing with my mouse or even unplugging the power cord. Constant shouting of "NO" but that rarely helps and he knows what it means too but he is testing me.

We also have an Air Conditioner in the apartment that rests near our couch. No matter how we rearrange the living room, Jacob will still have access to playing with it. He yanks on it and pulls the cover off easily. Even laughs at us when we tell him that famous word of "NO" or gives a scowled look when I am trying to be strict.

Sometimes we literally have to put him in "baby jail" which is his crib that he only slept in a couple times due to being a colicky baby. Yes, he still sleeps with us! He absolutely hates baby jail and screams. I feel guilty but he needs to learn. He has a million toys but loves our stuff. Normal kid, I know but I just am anxious to have him grow up more and be independent. It will devastate me in the future when he does, but would be easier and our place would be a lot cleaner.

I wouldn't trade my rambunctious boy for the world, even if he sometimes plays with our dirty socks. I love that he is exploring around and clingy to me at times when I want to just cuddle him up every minute. I also know that my boyfriend and I have to step up and have the upper hand in raising him to listen and respect things that we don't necessarily own. Plus the bed situation is changing as soon as we set up a toddler bed.

At the end of the day whether it is calm (hardly) or wild, I am still blessed with my little family. I can't wait to watch Jacob grow and share more moments with you as I continue my Vocal journey.